Health & Safety:
For being in the city the campus is extremely safe. There is never a time when you won't see police or security guards patrolling on campus, and there are blue security stands everywhere where you can call the police if you need them. No one can get into the dorms unless you live in that dorm or are being signed in by someone who lives in that dorm so you don't have to worry about random people being able to enter.

Campus Quality:
Some buildings on campus are new and very nice such as the Peterson Event Center Gym, but others such as the library are outdated, although still very useful with a wide selection of books. The dorms are relatively nice, and any freshman dorm other than the Towers are very spacious. Many buildings on campus are old however and need updating. The science labs are very nice as well as the central eatery on campus, Market Central.

Local Area:
Pittsburgh is a city essentially built around the university. There are so many different neighborhoods, each with their own charm. It's great. The only downside is poor public transportation.

Transportation:
Pitt gives you free public transportation, so you never have to pay to get on a city bus. Pitt also has shuttles that go through upper and lower campus and outlying neighborhoods that students live.

Academics:
I have heard that the Pre-Med track is quite rigorous but will definitely help you get into med school. Many of my friends had trouble in Bio 1 and Chem 1, but if you can get past the basics and work hard you will be fine. As for the class registration process , it is fairly easy. It is done online and I usually get all the classes I want. Popular study areas include biology, engineering, and business.

Academics:
Good school. Teachers know what they are talking about. Class sizes can be huge like 200 plus students,but only for gen ed classes. However, there are smaller classes. Pitt is great for people interested in Medicine, Engineering, and Philosophy. However note that there is no longer a journalism program and I am a Communications major and it is most theory based. There aren't any classes where you actually do production stuff and media. You most read about that stuff. So if you are trying to do entertainment and all that, I would consider another school. Lastly, there are tons of resources if you need help. They have the MAC that can help you with math and other programs like this for other subjects

Parking:
There are multiple lots in which students can pay for a permit to park in however they are quite costly if you really do not need your car much. There really is no need for a car on campus since city bus transportation is included in tuition. However, if you can find an apartment with its own parking lot/driveway you'd be in luck. Most parking is street parking.

Campus Quality:
The University of Pittsburgh is a school like no other in my opinion. There are magnificent buildings on campus including the cathedral of learning, which is an amazing building to explore. I feel like I could explore the campus and surrounding area for the rest of my undergrad experience and still be interested. Exploring the surrounding area is always great to do and I have found multiple interesting spots by doing so.

Campus Quality:
There was nothing more that I loved at Pitt than being surrounded by the students of the campus. I enjoyed the events that I took place in and I really feel that Pitt makes sure as an incoming freshman you get to experience these type of events that students love. The athletic facilities are amazing along with the campus buildings and student hangout spots. I enjoyed very much being able to experience just some of what Pittsburgh has to offer and cannot wait to experience even more.

Academics:
I believe that all the professors that I have come across while at Pitt do want to be there and try their best to teach their students all they can. I believe that Pitt works hard to make sure the students enjoy the classes that they are taking and that they succeed. I have had positive experiences in almost all of the classes I have taken at Pitt.

Off-Campus Housing:
Lots of availability, prices range but usually very expensive for good quality. Street parking is horrible. Oakland is a pretty safe environment, just like your average college campus. Look for landlord reviews online because some are horrible.

Diversity:
Very diverse! Especially in comparison to many other college campuses. Although dominantly white, you can find many other people of multiple ethnic backgrounds. You will also find people of varying interests and hobbies.

Off-Campus Housing:
Great amount of variety. Pitt is located in Oakland, a somewhat urban community. There are alot of options to where you can stay, almost all of them are MUCH more affordable in comparison to on-campus housing. If Oakland is not for you, there are surrounding communities like Squirrel Hill and Shadyside that alot of students can find apartments and houses to rent. Although not as close, they are only a bus ride away.

Transportation:
It's pretty good, especially since we get free rides on the Port Authority buses. Although you can walk to most of the places at Pitt, the PAT buses go along almost every route throughout Pittsburgh and will be able to take you wherever you need to go - free! Why the A-? It's good, but not amazing. I'm free NY and I really do believe the bus system can be improved. Very often they are either really late or really early, rarely on time.

Scholarships:
I think the University of Pittsburgh does a good job at giving out scholarships and financial aid in comparison to many other colleges, especially private ones. Although I wish I could have gotten more, they are very generous.

Campus Quality:
Riding the bus for free, getting into museums and the botanical gardens for free, getting a discount at a ton of places. The fact that we're basically the biggest school in the city and in the top 10 of everything with our professional schools (while still paying low tuition!). The love and acceptance I found here as well as the opportunities in medicine, international studies and research are unlike ANY of my friends colleges. The city is also accepting and navigable

Campus Quality:
Though I don't go out, drink or have a life I know student life is great. There are events for everyone, the party animal and the art gallery admirer. You get in FREE to a ton of museums and the botanical gardens (which is one campus) and you catch the bus for free year round! The shuttles take you a ton of places and the University even has prebooked tickets to art events, opera and different kinds of city tour events. If you are bored at Pitt you must be trying to be bored lol

Overall ExperienceWhat's this?

Overall, students agree that they wouldn't trade their Pitt experience for anything. As with most decisions, there are a lot of things to consider. If you don't like living in a city environment, Pittsburgh may not be the place for you. While it doesn't have the feel of New York of Philadelphia, the area is definitely urban. Also, Pitt is a large school—you're in for some big lecture classes and a somewhat overwhelming campus during the first year or so. Everything will seem to get smaller after you've been around awhile, though. Weather can be a concern if you're used to a warmer climate—snow, rain, and wind rule Pittsburgh winters. This is something that you can easily get used to though, unless you're a diehard warm weather fan.

What Pitt does offer is high-caliber academics, plenty of student organizations, and countless opportunities, such as study abroad, cultural activities, and sports. If you're willing to become active on campus, there's a lot more to Pitt than meets the eye. The University's location can also be a great advantage—Pittsburgh itself is a great city that is a positive environment for students to live and learn in, thanks in part to the city being home to a number of colleges and universities. The social scene is always jumping, locals are friendly, and there's always something to do if you explore a little. The best idea is to visit and try to get a feel for the area. You can get the same quality education at Pitt that can be found in many smaller, expensive schools, but here you'll pay less to have a vibrant city right at your doorstep.